Flydubai has inaugurated its new service to Chișinău, becoming the only UAE-based carrier to operate direct flights to Moldova. The twice-weekly route marks a significant milestone for both countries, opening up fresh opportunities for trade, tourism and cultural exchange.
The inaugural flight touched down at International Airport “Eugen Doga” Chișinău on Wednesday, where it was greeted with a traditional water cannon salute. Local officials, including Sergiu Spoială, General Director of the airport, welcomed the arrival of the Dubai-based airline.
Strengthening connectivity
Jeyhun Efendi, Divisional Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations and E-commerce at flydubai, said the launch reflected the carrier’s long-term commitment to expanding in Europe and tapping underserved markets.
“We are pleased to strengthen our connectivity to Europe with the launch of our twice-weekly service to Chișinău. Moldova offers our customers more options to explore previously underserved destinations. This reflects our commitment to facilitating free flows of trade and tourism while providing convenient and diverse travel choices for our passengers from the UAE and across our network,” Efendi said.
Airport chief Sergiu Spoială described the new service as an “important milestone” for Moldova, giving passengers greater connectivity to the Middle East, Asia and Africa, and enhancing the country’s role as a regional hub.
Destination spotlight
As Moldova’s capital city, Chișinău offers travellers a distinctive mix of architecture, history and green spaces. Landmarks such as the Triumphal Arch and the city’s many parks, including Cathedral Park and Rose Valley Park, make it an appealing off-the-beaten-path destination for tourists.
The route is expected to boost both leisure and business travel, providing a direct link for Moldovans looking to visit Dubai, as well as UAE residents seeking new European destinations.
Expanding European footprint
The Chișinău launch comes as flydubai continues to grow its European network. The airline is set to begin flights to Iași, its second destination in Romania, later this month, followed by services to Vilnius in Lithuania and Riga in Latvia in December.
Flydubai currently operates to more than 135 destinations across 57 countries. Its fleet consists of 94 Boeing 737 aircraft, making it one of the region’s fastest-growing carriers.
Flight details
Flights between Dubai International Airport (DXB) Terminal 2 and Chișinău International Airport will run on Wednesdays and Sundays. Emirates will codeshare on the route, offering passengers wider connectivity through Dubai’s hub.
Return fares from Dubai start at AED 1,600 in Economy Class Lite and AED 8,000 in Business Class. From Chișinău, return fares begin at EUR 380 for Economy Class Lite and EUR 2,000 for Business Class.
The launch underscores flydubai’s strategy of unlocking new markets, while further embedding Dubai as a global hub for air travel.
